KILIMANJARO FAQ’S

Mount Kilimanjaro holds the distinction of being the loftiest peak in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain globally. This majestic mountain boasts three volcanic cones, namely Mawenzi, Shira, and Kibo. While Mawenzi and Shira have ceased their volcanic activities, the highest summit, Kibo, remains dormant and there is a possibility of future eruptions.

How long does it take to climb to the top?

On average 5-9 days.

How many routes can you take to the top?

There are seven established routes that lead to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania: Lemosho, Machame, Marangu, Rongai, Northern Circuit, Shira and Umbwe. There's also a descending-only route called the Mweka route.

Which is the best route up Kilimanjaro?

The Lemosho route

Lemosho is widely regarded as the most picturesque path on Kilimanjaro, providing breathtaking panoramic views from different angles of the mountain. It is our preferred choice due to its combination of limited congestion, stunning scenery, and a high rate of successfully reaching the summit. As a result, we highly recommend the Lemosho route, and it is favored by the majority of our clients.

Which is the toughest route to Kilimanjaro?

The Umbwe route

The Umbwe route stands out as a remarkably expedient path to the Southern Glaciers and the Western Breach on Mount Kilimanjaro. Renowned for its difficulty and challenges, it holds the reputation of being the most arduous route available.

Which Kilimanjaro route is easiest?

The Marangu route

The Marangu Route, famously nicknamed the 'Coca Cola Route,' holds the distinction of being the oldest and most well-established path on Kilimanjaro, which was formerly the most favored choice among climbers. It is renowned for its gentle incline and terrain, making it widely regarded as the least challenging route to ascend. Furthermore, it stands alone as the sole path on the mountain that offers comfortable huts for overnight accommodation.

5 interesting facts

1. Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the seven summits.

As the highest peak in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro secures its place among the prestigious group known as the "Seven Summits." The Seven Summits, listed in descending order of elevation, encompass the following impressive peaks.

Asia: Everest (29,035’/8850m)

South America: Aconcagua (22,834’/6960m)

North America: Denali (20,310’/6,190m)

Africa: Kilimanjaro (19,340’/5895m)

Europe: Elbrus (18,513’/5642m)

Oceania: Carstensz Pyramid (16,023’/4884m)

Kilimanjaro attracts a wide range of enthusiasts, from seasoned hikers to those embarking on their first adventure, thanks to its reputation as the most accessible among the Seven Summits. Unlike other peaks in this elite group, conquering Kilimanjaro does not demand specialized technical expertise or the use of equipment like ropes, harnesses, crampons, or ice axes. Consequently, it is categorized as a hike or a "walk-up" summit rather than a mountaineering or climbing expedition.

2. Kilimanjaro stands on its own.

Kilimanjaro stands out not only as the highest peak in Africa but also as the world's tallest standalone mountain. Reaching an impressive elevation of 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level at its summit, known as Uhuru Point, it commands awe and admiration. Unlike many lofty mountains that are part of extensive ranges, such as the Himalayan Mountain Range encompassing Mount Everest, Kilimanjaro emerges as a distinct entity. These ranges are formed through the geological process of plate tectonics, where Earth's crust comprises multiple moving tectonic plates. When these plates collide, their edges fold, resulting in uplifted rock formations known as fold mountains, which are the most common type of mountains. Alternatively, fault-block mountain ranges occur when a crack, or fault, in the Earth's crust pushes blocks of rock upwards between two tectonic plates, creating uplifted block mountains.

In contrast, free-standing mountains like Kilimanjaro are primarily products of volcanic activity. These volcanic mountains form when molten rock, or magma, erupts from the Earth's interior and accumulates on the surface over time, gradually building up the mountain's structure.

3. The mountain is on the equator.

The equator serves as an imaginary line that acts as a dividing point between the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere, effectively splitting the Earth into two equal halves. Positioned at the exact center of our planet, it possesses unique characteristics that set it apart from other regions across the globe. The equator experiences a significant amount of solar radiation, contributing to its distinct climate. In this equatorial region, the weather remains relatively consistent throughout the year, with prevailing conditions either being warm and wet or warm and dry.

Located a mere 205 miles away from the equator in Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro was met with skepticism when early explorers reported the presence of glaciers on its summit. The idea of ice forming in such proximity to the scorching equatorial sun seemed implausible to many. However, scientific understanding has since evolved, and it is now believed that the glaciers on Kilimanjaro undergo a cycle of shrinkage and regrowth during the Earth's ice ages.

4. Three volcanic cones created it

As previously mentioned, Kilimanjaro's formation can be attributed to volcanic processes. However, it is noteworthy that the mountain was originally characterized by the presence of three distinct volcanic cones: Kibo, Shira, and Mawenzi.

Kibo (19,340’/5,895m)

Mawenzi (16,893’/5,149m)

Shira (13,000’/3,962m)

Among the three volcanic cones of Kilimanjaro, Kibo stands as the tallest and central cone, housing the mountain's summit. It took shape approximately 460,000 years ago.

Mawenzi, on the other hand, presents a rugged peak and holds the third position in terms of height among Africa's peaks, following Kibo and Mount Kenya (12,549'/3825m). Travelers on the Rongai and Northern Circuit routes can enjoy splendid views of Mawenzi.

Shira, once a prominent peak, has since collapsed, forming the expansive Shira Plateau located on the western side of the mountain. Before its collapse, Shira reached an estimated height of around 16,000 feet. The Machame, Lemosho, and Shira routes traverse this distinctive feature during treks.

5. Kilimanjaro is a dormant Volcano

Mount Kilimanjaro is classified as a stratovolcano, which refers to a large volcano composed of ash, lava, and rock. While Shira and Mawenzi, two of its volcanic cones, are considered extinct volcanoes with no current underground activity or connection to a lava source, Kibo stands as a dormant volcano, indicating the potential for future eruptions. The distinction between extinct and dormant lies in the time frame since the last eruption and the likelihood of future activity. If a volcano has not erupted in the past 10,000 years but is predicted to erupt again by scientists, it is deemed dormant.

The most significant eruption of Mount Kilimanjaro occurred approximately 360,000 years ago, while the most recent volcanic activity took place around 200,000 years ago. To reach the ash pit, a site emanating the smell of sulfur from the volcano's lava, visitors must embark on a two-hour round trip hike from the highest campsite known as Crater Camp.